This is hilarious.

First of all, I didn't want to go to St. Louis; I was just along for the ride. Read the post closer.

Second, don't ever assume you know about someone's background and life experiences. You're way off the mark.

LoL, is this Stuart guy for real? Asshole.

Furthermore, I have different kids this year than last year. Therefore, no St. Louis trip.

Also, as if anything I do would influence the way they want to present themselves socially. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that it's mostly pop-culture that they see on TV each that does it -- not me.

Dear Stuart,
If you can do a better job, get off your gelatinous ass and do it. You need to practice removing the broom handle from your love hole before you use it to improve your golf swing. And for someone so un-mediocre, you need to learn how to spell my friend.

Your pal,
Tony

Dear Stuart,
P.S. Ever hear of people like 50 Cent, Kanye West, Fabolous??? These seem to be the true socio-molds of the kids. You really think a short, white, computer-nerd could influence the social beings that are these Delta kids (no offense, Ryan)?? What about brain drain? It happens in third world countries, why not "underpriveleged" areas of the South? The little girl that doesn't want to come back home is expressing her desire to fulfill her own version of the American Dream. What's wrong with that?

Once again, read the post more closely. It said that I presented both options to the students. The comment came without me eliciting it in any way.

Also, Teach For America advocates local considerations and local context in its teachings, which I did mention in the post.

I'm also sorry to hear that Freakonomics isn't up to your intelectual pedigree. Perhaps you should find a blog on literature critique.

Lastly, I'm pretty sure that this is about to turn into some kind of flamewar, which is really lame, and that Mr. Stuart here will only continue to heckle, as he looks for anything to scoff at (hurricane, absentee slip, freakonomics, teaching in the delta, golf swing, etc.). Though I do appreciate others' comments, I'd suggest that everybody stop responding to him. He's looking for your response in order to post more vitriol. Don't give him that response he needs and he'll eventually go away.

-The Management

I'm going to disobey your orders and say that I think Mr. Stuart has a point. I actually totally fail to see what some kid's hair has to do with your influence on them, or St. Louis, but I can see his general stereotype and disdain for TFA. Or maybe it's his concern for our students who lack opportunity. Either way, I think the solution to the problem is you staying a third year.

I'm a reader of your blog and have been ever since you flipped off Trent Lott. While I happen disagree with your opinion on the Senator, I do agree with you about the tardy slip. It is funny, laugh. That kid probably heard his mother tell someone that she was late because she was doing her hair. Not every incident in life has to turn into a discussion of politics, race, poverty, abortion, Iraq, Katrina, etc... Sometimes, not often enough, we observe things that are just funny, no strings attached.

And one more thing, ignore the trolls.

perhaps the funniest of your "chronicles/year two" posts... i'm laughing.